Feb. Challenge photos

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people, living life in peace.
John Lennon- “Imagine”

The challenge this month was to use manual focus and the song “Imagine” by John Lennon.

I don’t think his ideal world will ever happen among the living, but it could be describing the afterlife.

So with the weather finally above freezing and the sun making a brief appearance today, I headed out to two other states to get some photos of Dazzle and Bear for this challenge. Of course it helps that I live in a “tri-state” area 🙂

I tried a few different places in the Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, KY before finding the spot in this photo. I also played around with different camera distances from Dazzle. I like this set-up both for it’s composition and because it required a focus setting other than infinity (so it was more of a challenge). When I had him in place and the focus where I wanted it, I told him to stay and tossed one of his toys to get his focus and his ears forward.

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people, sharing all the world.
John Lennon- Imagine”

I visited “Freedom Park” near the Vietnam memorial in Eden Park in Cincinnati to get this shot.
I had a hard time getting the focus just right in the brief amount of time that Bear was willing to stay 🙂 He REALLY wanted to just go sniff and explore. And I would have also liked to adjust the exposure just a bit more, but after a few attempts he was done. I think he was trying for “freedom from oppression: 🙂

Another idea I had for the 12 Months for Dogs challenge, but this was the back-up in case I couldn’t find the shot I wanted in the cemetery. This is directly below the World Peace Bell. I made sure I wasn’t here anywhere near the “top of the hour” when the website says it rings. The bell is HUGE and I didn’t want to deafen us or freak out Dazzle 🙂 The flower pots in the photo below are about 2′ high (same height as Dazzle) to give an idea of the scale.

I also recently enjoyed some time at the Spring display at the Krohn Conservatory. Dazzle took time to sniff some flowers, but I had to keep an eye on him because he also wanted to TASTE several of the items! 🙂

Malinois:

Description:

MALINOIS: A thinking dog with a sense of humor. Ready to work or play all day long and at a moment's notice. MUST have something physical to do on a daily basis (job, play, etc.). Will learn with lightning speed for a person who will teach with kindness, clarity and fairness. His athleticism allows him to excel in any dog sport and he's game for any activity that tests his mental or physical abilities

Archives

Dazzle’s Horoscope:

Leo
July 23 to August 22
Assertive and expressive, the Leo dog deserves respect. Your dogs demanding nature puts him constantly in the center of the family's attention. Assumingly he waits for fresh and tasty food, regular grooming, and patting. He enjoys being the king of all.
He is extremely affectionate, faithful, confident, and proud. Your Leo dog is fiercely loyal, and cannot endure if you ignore him. He needs attention, praise, and adoration.
But, let him earn it; do not provide it for free. Give lot of attention during a training session; praise him for fulfilling a task. Leo dogs are excellent working dogs. They need a job and appropriate exercise